The Pulse

NPR

Go on an adventure into unexpected corners of the health and science world each week with award-winning host Maiken Scott. The Pulse takes you behind the doors of operating rooms, into the lab with some of the world's foremost scientists, and back in time to explore life-changing innovations. The Pulse delivers stories in ways that matter to you, and answers questions you never knew you had.

  • 48 minutes 54 seconds
    First Responders and the Toll on Their Health
    We turn to first responders for help during emergencies. We expect them to stay calm and cool, and to know exactly what to do. In scary, dangerous, or life-threatening situations, they're the ones tasked with saving us. But their work can have a major, negative impact on their mental and physical health. So who's looking out for them? On this episode: First responders, the toll the job takes — and what helps them cope.

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    18 December 2024, 4:55 pm
  • 48 minutes 54 seconds
    Why We're All So Outraged
    When we're feeling morally outraged — over politics, global conflicts, or violence, like the recent murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson — what's at the root of this feeling? Psychologist Kurt Gray argues that moral outrage is tied to fear and perceived harm. He joins us to discuss his forthcoming book "Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground."

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    13 December 2024, 8:00 am
  • 48 minutes 39 seconds
    Parrot or Prophet: How AI is Shaping Language
    For thousands of years, we've thought of language as one of the key features that makes humans unique. But with the rapid evolution of large language models, the line between human communication and AI is starting to blur. On this episode, we explore the possibilities and limits of AI-generated language, how it's changing the way we communicate, and the implications for what it means to be human.

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    6 December 2024, 8:00 am
  • 48 minutes 44 seconds
    When Being 'Gifted' No Longer Feels Like a Gift
    What does it mean to be 'gifted'? Who qualifies and how should we teach and treat gifted children? And, where do the limits of their talents lie? On this encore episode, we hear stories about the challenges of growing up gifted, how musical prodigies are made — and identified, and what a chess wunderkind has to teach us about the value of raw talent vs. experience.

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    29 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 56 minutes 56 seconds
    Thanksgiving Disasters — And How to Avoid Them
    Thanksgiving is a lovely holiday — a time for food, family, and counting our blessings. But let's face it: The festivities don't always go as planned. On this episode, we explore the full range of holiday catastrophes, from travel hiccups to cooking disasters, and offer expert advice on how to avoid them.

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    22 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 48 minutes 49 seconds
    The Threats Facing Trees — and How to Save Them
    We not only love trees for their beauty — we need them for our survival. But around the world, some trees, and even entire forests, are facing numerous existential threats. On this episode, we explore why we need trees, the dangers they face, and new efforts to help them survive and thrive.

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    15 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 48 minutes 51 seconds
    Biomimicry: What Nature Can Teach us about Engineering and Design
    How does nature make durable materials like corals and seashells without a heat or a kiln? How do peacock feathers get their beautiful colors? Scientists are trying to understand these processes and to replicate them for sustainable human products and design. The field of biomimicry is growing. We'll explore its origins and hear about some of the latest innovations.

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    8 November 2024, 8:00 am
  • 48 minutes 58 seconds
    What Makes Our Circadian Clocks Tick
    Circadian rhythms affect more than our sleep — they can shape all aspects of our health, and are in turn shaped by the rhythms of our lives. We explore the intricate mechanics of our internal clocks, and how they affect our health.

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    1 November 2024, 7:00 am
  • 50 minutes 44 seconds
    How Politics Are Changing Health and Science
    With a contested presidential election looming, we explore what's at stake for health and science, from fertility medicine to cyber security with voting machines, and efforts by scientists to protect themselves from political influence.

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    25 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 48 minutes
    Thrills & Chills: The Psychology of Fear
    It's that time of year when we celebrate something we usually hate: fear. We visit haunted houses and corn mazes or binge-watch the scariest horror movies. In its most primitive form, fear is about survival — so we can face or escape serious threats. In other settings — where there's no danger — fear can feel exhilarating or fun. On this episode, we explore our complicated relationship with fear.

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    18 October 2024, 7:00 am
  • 48 minutes 59 seconds
    All the Rage
    Your face flushes hot, maybe your fists clench, your heartbeat speeds up and your blood pressure rises. It's rage and it can go from zero to red-hot in seconds. It's normal to feel angry when you or somebody else has been wronged, mistreated, or hurt. But even justified rage can become destructive. How do we handle these fiery emotions when they erupt?

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    11 October 2024, 7:00 am
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